[18th June]
After the intense showdown between Gravion and Rylen, the stadium grounds were repaired back to their pristine condition.
The scorched arena had already been restored, the shattered stone replaced, and the defensive barriers strengthened once more by the staff working below the stadium.
Compared to the madness of the third match, the fourth and fifth battles went relatively smoothly.
Strong.
Entertaining.
Yet nowhere near enough to satisfy the crowd anymore.
Not after witnessing monsters clash one after another.
Because everyone knew what was coming next.
The true highlight of the tournament.
The battle that had already surpassed the boundaries of an ordinary ranking match.
The giant screen above the stadium slowly flashed.
ID: 19082 VS ID: 01
The Deathshot Archer…
Against…
The Crowned Heir of the Kingdom.
Raviel.
The moment the names appeared, the entire stadium erupted into deafening noise.
This was no longer merely a match.
It was a collision between two existences that had dominated the tournament in completely different ways.
One stood at the peak since the beginning.
The untouchable genius of the Duke family.
The favoured heir blessed with monstrous talent, resources, and strength.
The other…
Had climbed upward by crushing expectations one battle after another.
Rey had entered the tournament as a nobody.
Yet now his name echoed across the entire capital.
Every match he fought left behind unforgettable scenes.
The cold precision of his arrows.
His terrifying close combat abilities.
The overwhelming pressure he displayed against Davin.
The rumours surrounding him only continued growing stronger.
And now…
He stood before the greatest wall in the tournament.
Would he create another miracle today?
Or would he finally fall beneath the absolute dominance of Raviel?
That single question had already pushed the excitement of the crowd to its peak.
Meanwhile—
Inside the preparation hall.
Rey sat silently on the cold bench.
His elbows rested over his knees while his head remained lowered.
Eyes closed.
Breathing steady.
Trying to calm the storm raging inside his mind.
No matter how many times he replayed possibilities inside his head…
No matter how many strategies he thought of…
He still couldn't figure out a proper way to overthrow Raviel.
Not even once.
'Damn it…'
His fingers slowly tightened.
'What exactly should I do…'
Just then—
His phone suddenly vibrated again.
Rey opened his eyes slightly before pulling it out.
The moment he saw the caller ID…
His expression paused.
Mother.
For a few silent seconds, he simply stared at the screen.
He already knew what she wanted to say.
He could almost hear her worried voice in his mind already.
Drop the match.
Don't push yourself.
Come back safely.
But—
Rey slowly closed his eyes again.
His thumb hovered above the screen before he lowered the phone without answering.
Not now.
Especially not now.
Not after what happened to Fenlor.
The ringing stopped shortly after, replaced by a missed call notification.
Rey silently muted the device before storing it inside his inventory.
At least until this match ended…
He wasn't ready to face her voice.
Not when his resolve was already wavering enough.
The preparation hall returned to silence again.
But only for a few moments.
Footsteps echoed from the corridor ahead.
Rey looked up.
His eyes softened slightly upon seeing Hosric walking toward him with a serious face.
"Uncle…"
He immediately stood up and gave him the seat.
Hosric sighed before sitting down beside him.
"Kid…" he began quietly, "your mother called me because you weren't answering her calls."
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"Do you even understand how worried she is right now?"
Rey rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.
"I know, uncle… It's just… my phone wasn't with me because of the match."
A terrible lie.
And both of them knew it.
Hosric stared at him for several seconds before taking out his own phone.
"Hm. Then I'll call her myself and let you talk."
The moment he started dialling—
"WAIT!"
Rey instantly grabbed his wrist.
Hosric raised an eyebrow.
Rey coughed lightly before forcing an awkward smile.
"I mean… I'll talk to her after the match. It'll be better then."
The old man looked at him silently.
Then, finally, sighed.
"Fine."
His tone softened afterwards.
"But listen carefully, Rey."
The atmosphere around them turned heavier.
"I know why this match matters to you."
"I know what Raviel represents in your eyes."
"But I don't want you throwing your life away for revenge."
Hosric's expression darkened slightly as Fenlor's condition flashed across his mind.
"We only just escaped the terror of seeing Fenlor nearly broken. I don't want to witness you lying in that same condition, too."
His voice grew firmer.
"We don't doubt your strength."
"But Raviel…"
"He's different."
"The Duke family didn't build their reputation through words alone."
"He's a true genius among geniuses."
"Maybe this tournament doesn't even contain someone capable of matching him yet."
Hosric slowly extended his hand toward Rey.
"So promise me."
"The moment things turn dangerous… surrender."
"Don't gamble your life."
Rey looked at the old man quietly.
For a brief moment…
Guilt flickered through his eyes.
Then he slowly extended his own hand and shook it.
"Okay, uncle."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"I'll surrender if things go badly."
But deep down…
Even he knew that the promise was incomplete.
Because if things truly reached that stage—
The damage would already be done.
Still…
He couldn't bring himself to say that aloud.
Just then—
The giant screen inside the preparation hall flashed brightly.
Both IDs appeared together.
The referee's announcement echoed throughout the corridors.
It was time.
Rey stood up slowly.
Hosric also rose from his seat before patting his shoulder firmly.
"Come back safely."
Rey nodded once.
Then turned and walked toward the arena tunnel.
Each step felt heavier than the last.
But once the light of the stadium came into view—
The deafening roar of the crowd crashed against him instantly.
The entire arena exploded into cheers the moment Rey stepped onto the battlefield.
Thousands of eyes locked onto him immediately.
Some screamed his name.
Some doubted him.
Some simply waited for entertainment.
Yet despite everything…
The support behind Raviel still stood on a completely different level.
The majority already believed the result was decided.
Rey's chances of victory were slim.
Everyone knew it.
But the fact that there was still a possibility…
That tiny unknown variable…
Was exactly what made this battle so terrifyingly exciting.
Rey slowly walked toward the center of the arena.
His eyes swept around calmly.
But one thing immediately caught his attention.
Raviel wasn't here yet.
Rey scoffed inwardly.
'Hmph…'
'Of course.'
'He wants me standing here first before making his entrance.'
'What a damn showoff.'
And exactly as expected—
Almost ten seconds later…
Another wave of cheers erupted from the opposite side of the stadium.
Raviel finally entered the arena.
Dressed in his usual pristine attire.
Cold.
Elegant.
Untouchable.
Every step he took carried natural superiority.
The crowd reacted as if a king himself had stepped onto the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Rey simply glanced at him once before looking away again.
Even from a distance…
He could already feel Raviel's arrogance spilling outward naturally.
Like the entire arena belonged to him.
The referee quickly stepped between them.
Though notably…
He didn't dare approach Raviel for an ID check.
The poor man clearly valued his lifespan.
"Both contestants, please take your positions!"
Rey and Raviel slowly moved backwards toward their starting points.
The entire stadium gradually quieted down.
Everyone leaned forward slightly.
Anticipation reached its peak.
The referee raised his hand.
"BOTH CONTESTANTS READY—"
"LET THE SIXTH MATCH… BEGIN!"
The instant he shouted—
He vanished from the center and glued himself to the arena wall immediately.
Not a single person blamed him.
Because everyone understood one thing.
The moment these two started fighting…
The battlefield itself might stop being safe.
Silence descended.
Rey and Raviel stared at each other from opposite ends.
The tension in the stadium became so thick that almost nobody dared speak.
Everyone waited for the first move.
Most expected Rey to instantly fire arrows.
Others expected Raviel to rush forward immediately.
But instead—
Rey slowly lowered his bow.
Confusion spread across the crowd instantly.
Even Raviel narrowed his eyes slightly.
Then—
A faint mocking smile appeared on his face.
"Hm."
"So you finally got scared?"
His cold voice echoed clearly throughout the arena.
"I thought someone with such a foul mouth would at least possess enough courage to back it up."
"But perhaps expecting bravery from someone like you was too much."
Gasps spread across the audience.
Many had never heard Raviel openly speak to someone like this before.
Especially not with such clear hostility.
Meanwhile, Rey simply smirked lightly.
"Still as arrogant as ever…"
His eyes locked directly onto Raviel.
"But at least you possess the strength to support that ego."
Then—
His smirk widened slightly.
"So why don't we make things fair?"
The stadium quieted again.
Rey slowly pointed toward him.
"In your previous matches, you gave your opponents three whole minutes to attack freely before making your move."
A dangerous glint appeared in his eyes.
"So what happened now?"
"Are you not giving me the same chance?"
"Or…"
His voice sharpened slightly.
"Are you afraid you might actually lose if you do?"
The moment those words landed—
The entire stadium exploded into noise again.
Even the noble stands stirred visibly.
Meanwhile, inside the Valemont gallery—
Edvarin nearly stood up from his seat.
"What the hell is this brat trying to do now…?"
He thought, but he was also sure that with his strength, he might have the chance to overturn the table within those three minutes.
'Rey... is this the plan you were working on...? If it is, then I hope it succeeds. Otherwise, you may become just another stair for Raviel to step on toward greater fame...' Hosric thought silently as his eyes remained locked on the arena below.
The entire stadium had fallen quiet.
Not a single person wanted to miss what was about to happen.
"What happened...? Got scared...? Not even saying anything now?" Rey mocked while slowly raising his bow once more.
"If that's the case, then let's stop wasting time and finish this quickly."
Raviel remained silent for a moment.
Then suddenly, a faint chuckle escaped his lips.
The sound wasn't loud.
But somehow, it spread clearly across the battlefield.
Rey's brows narrowed slightly.
"You think I would fall for such a lousy trick?" Raviel finally spoke, his cold eyes staring directly at Rey.
"But still..."
"I'll grant you the same treatment I gave the others."
His hand casually lowered the short sword back to his waist.
"Three minutes."
"Do whatever you can."
"After that... you won't even have the strength left to remain standing."
The moment those words fell, the entire Noble Gallery erupted.
Even several high-ranking nobles widened their eyes in surprise.
And among them, the expression that changed the most belonged to Marcus.
The Head Butler of the Duke's household.
His jaw tightened instantly.
'What is Young Master doing...? Giving that brat free time is completely unnecessary...'
A dangerous feeling rose in his chest for a brief second.
But he immediately crushed it.
'Am I doubting Young Master's strength...? Impossible.'
'That boy isn't even worthy enough to stand beside him.'
Marcus quickly calmed himself down.
Unfortunately for him...
Even that tiny fluctuation hadn't escaped the Duke's notice.
"Marcus."
The Duke didn't even turn his head.
Yet his voice alone made Marcus stiffen instinctively.
"Is something troubling you?"
Marcus immediately bowed.
"No, Master. Just a brief thought from an old memory."
"Hm."
The Duke's gaze never left the battlefield.
"Then tell me."
"Who do you think will win?"
Marcus felt his throat go dry.
"There is no uncertainty, Master. Young Master Raviel's victory is obvious."
"There isn't anyone in this tournament worthy enough to threaten him."
The Duke's fingers tapped lightly against the armrest.
Then calmly asked,
"And if your answer is wrong...?"
Marcus froze.
The Duke's next words felt colder than ice.
"Will your head be enough compensation?"
"Or should I throw you back into that chamber?"
The moment the word 'chamber' was spoken...
Marcus nearly lost control of his breathing.
A trace of fear flashed through his eyes before disappearing instantly.
He lowered himself even further.
"If my judgment proves wrong, Master..."
"I will personally offer my neck to you."
"But your concern is unnecessary."
"Young Master Raviel cannot lose."
The Duke gave no response after that.
His eyes simply remained on the battlefield below.
Meanwhile...
The timer above the stadium had already started counting.
02:58
02:57
02:56
Rey exhaled slowly.
'I didn't expect him to actually accept it...'
'I can't waste even a second now.'
His eyes sharpened instantly.
Without hesitation, he pulled out an arrow and placed it against the bowstring.
SHHHK!
The arrow shot forward like lightning.
Fast.
Precise.
Deadly.
But Raviel merely tilted his head slightly.
The arrow passed beside his face without even touching a strand of hair.
The crowd erupted immediately.
But Rey didn't stop.
Another arrow.
Then another.
Then another.
SHHK! SHHK! SHHK!
The sound of arrows tearing through the air echoed nonstop.
Rey reinforced each one with mana, increasing both speed and penetration.
Yet Raviel continued dodging effortlessly.
Sometimes with a single sidestep.
Sometimes by shifting his shoulders slightly.
It looked less like he was dodging...
And more like he already knew where every arrow would land beforehand.
Rey's eyes narrowed.
He immediately switched tactics.
Two arrows at once.
Then three.
Curved trajectories.
Mana-bending shots.
Blind-angle attacks.
Even arrows rebounding off the ground.
But none of them touched Raviel.
The Crowned Heir moved calmly amidst the storm of arrows like a phantom dancing between raindrops.
Not a single scratch appeared on him.
The audience had already become breathless.
"This is insane..."
"How is he dodging all of them...?"
"Those arrows aren't normal attacks anymore..."
Even Rey himself felt pressure rising inside him.
'He's reading everything...'
'No... he's predicting me before I even release the string...'
One minute had already passed.
Raviel slowly glanced at the timer above.
Then back at Rey.
"It's already been one minute."
"You only have two left."
"Is this all the famous Deathshot Archer can do?"
His mocking voice spread clearly through the arena.
Rey's jaw tightened.
But instead of losing control...
His expression suddenly calmed.
The next second—
He lowered his bow.
Several people in the crowd froze.
"What...?"
"Did he give up already?"
But unlike the audience...
Raviel's eyes sharpened slightly.
Because he could feel it.
The change in Rey's aura.
The hesitation was gone.
In its place...
Something colder had appeared.
BOOM!
The ground beneath Rey cracked apart as he suddenly dashed forward.
Fast.
Far faster than before.
A dagger appeared in his hand instantly.
The distance between them closed in a blink.
Clang!
The dagger slashed toward Raviel's throat.
But Raviel avoided it effortlessly with a slight lean.
Rey continued attacking relentlessly.
One slash after another.
Each strike sharper than the last.
The sound of metal cutting through the air echoed rapidly.
But Raviel continued evading every attack with minimal movement.
He looked completely untouchable.
Like someone existing on a different level entirely.
Yet...
Rey's attacks didn't slow down.
Rather...
They became even more aggressive.
Faster.
Sharper.
More dangerous.
The crowd slowly realised something shocking.
Rey's speed was increasing.
Every second.
Every movement.
He was adapting mid-battle.
Even Raviel's expression became slightly colder now.
Because, although Rey still couldn't touch him...
The gap was shrinking.
Tiny.
But real.
Rey noticed it too.
'Got you...'
He suddenly twisted his body and swung the dagger in a wide arc.
Raviel stepped backwards instinctively to avoid the slash.
Exactly as Rey predicted.
Or at least...
That was supposed to happen.
But the next second—
Raviel's pupils suddenly contracted.
Because he realised something.
Rey's slash...
Was never meant to hit him.
It was a feint.
And before Raviel could fully react—
Something unexpected occurs.
Even the audience failed to react.
For the very first time—
Raviel's calm expression changed.
SHHK!
Blood splashed across the arena floor.
The entire stadium froze.
Every eye widened in disbelief.
Because the result...
Was something nobody expected.